Reece James outlines Chelsea target for next season after injury layoff

Chelsea captain, Reece James has revealed his target for next season as the London club continue to struggle for consistency under Mauricio Pochettino.

James returned to action on Saturday afternoon after being out of the team for over five months due to an hamstring injury.

The England international made an immediate impact in the 3-2 victory, providing what turned out to be the match-winning assist to Nicolas Jackson on 82 minutes.

James has now insisted that Chelsea objectives next season is qualifying for the prestigious Champions League.

“We’re learning every day,” James said to Chelsea TV. “We’re still young and during the season we’ve had a few off days, but on the whole we’ve improved and we’re coming strong towards the end of the season.

“Europe is one of the highest levels in club football and we’re one of the biggest clubs in club football, so we want to be pushing each season to be knocking on the door for the Champions League. That’s the aim.”

Chelsea are currently occupying seventh spot on the table and have a better chance of qualifying to the Europa Conference League or Europa League.

The Blues are now level on points with sixth-place Newcastle United as they go into their penultimate match of the season away at Brighton on Wednesday.